south african art, design & handmade goods

weaving

I absolutely love the new Mungo store and inner city Micro-Mill in the heart of Cape Town. The idea behind this store was to create an experiential retail space where customers can interact and learn about the wonderful art of weaving. Although the majority of their production still takes place at the mill in Plettenberg Bay, they have brought down one of their oldest looms; a Hattersley Domestic loom that was made in the 1890’s. Their aim is to bridge the gap between the maker and the market, and to introduce customers to a part of their process.

The store and Micro-Mill is situated in their new beautiful four-story 1900s heritage building on Hout Street. They have carefully refurbished it, keeping all the original architectural features including Oregon Pine floors, wooden staircase, and sash windows.

The shop spans across the ground floor and into a glass atrium. The Micro-Mill is below the shop, and can be seen from the street. Here you’ll find their antique loom, managed by their Resident Weaver. The clacking sound of the loom captures the attention of passers-by as it reverberates up the street. The second floor features an office and photographic studio, which has become the marketing hub for Mungo. The top floor has been turned into an open plan loft apartment for guests, obviously kitted out in Mungo.